Nasscom, Mohandas Pai back iGate's move to sack Murthy

New Delhi, May 21: Krishnakumar Natarajan, chairman of Nasscom on Tuesday said that the sacking of Phaneesh Murthy from iGate will have little collateral impact on the Indian IT sector. He said it was a one-off case and the industry is known for its high governance standards.

Natarajan also backed the iGate board's decision to fire Murthy, its President and CEO, over alleged sexual harassment, saying prompt action was necessary in such cases helps the industry's cause. He said the decision reflected the true standard of the IT industry. He said this while speaking to journalists on the sidelines of a Nasscom event.

Asked whether the Nasscom will revise policies related to issues like sexual harassment, the chairman said the former does not believe in policing members and workshops are regularly organized on such issues for all member companies.

He said most companies have 30-40 per cent of women employees and hence it is important to put in place a fundamental infrastructure like conducting one-day workshops on sexual harassment.

Meanwhile, Mohandas Pai, former Infosys Board member said he had thought Murthy would mend his ways after his past experience and focus on his career but he failed himself again. He said Murthy's case should act as a warning for all business leaders. It was the second time that Murthy was asked to leave an IT major on charges of sexual misconduct. He had left Infosys, the IT firm which had touched enviable heights under him, in 2003.

iGate announced the termination of Murthy following investigation of facts and circumstances around a relationship that the latter had with a subordinate employee and a claim of sexual harassment. Murthy, however, denied the charges. He termed the case against him as an act of extortion.

OneIndia News